Communication Method, Secondary Network Node and Terminal

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a communication method, a secondary network node, and a terminal. The method includes a secondary network node acquires a network state of a cell served by the secondary network node; the secondary network node updates a network configuration of the cell served by the secondary network node according to the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node; the secondary network node sends first update configuration information to a terminal, wherein the first update configuration information is used for updating the network configuration of the cell served by the secondary network node. The network configuration of the cell served by the secondary network node is autonomously updated by the secondary network node according to the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of a U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/494,721 filed on Sep. 16, 2019, which is a 371of International PCT Application No. PCT/CN 2017/077574 filed on Mar.21, 2017. The entire contents of the above-identified applications areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication, and moreparticularly, to a communication method and apparatus.

BACKGROUND

In heterogeneous wireless systems, when different types of base stationscooperate in networking, since bandwidth resources and coverage of asingle base station are limited, it is easier to meet requirements of auser for capacity and coverage by concentrating wireless resources ofmultiple cells or base stations to provide services for the user. Thiscommunication method is commonly referred to as multi-connectioncommunication.

As an implementation of the multi-connection communication, adual-connection communication means that in a future 5G networkconstruction, New Radio (NR) may be used as macro coverage fornetworking independently, and NR microcell may further be used forhotspot coverage. No matter which networking method is adopted, aterminal may improve a utilization rate of wireless resources, reducesystem switching delay and improve performance of a user and a systemthrough a dual connection technology between a LTE system and a 5Gsystem. In short, the dual connection technology means that, in ascenario of Non-standalone NR, a terminal receives or transmits datasimultaneously through a Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell and an NR cell.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus.

In a first aspect, there is provided a communication method, including:a secondary network node acquires a network state of a cell served bythe secondary network node; the secondary network node updates a networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node accordingto the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node;the secondary network node sends first update configuration informationto a terminal, wherein the first update configuration information isused for updating the network configuration of the cell served by thesecondary network node.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes at least one piece of the following information: acongestion state of the cell served by the secondary network node; anamount of data to be transmitted that the terminal prepares to transmitthrough the secondary network node; a state of a bearer used fortransmitting the data to be transmitted by the terminal in the cellserved by the secondary network node; signal quality of a signaltransmitted between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal; a connection state of a connection between the secondarynetwork node and the terminal; and a link state of a link forcommunication between the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the secondary network node updates the networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node accordingto the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node,including: the secondary network node updates the cell served by thesecondary network node according to the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node; the secondary network node sends thefirst update configuration information to the terminal, wherein thefirst update configuration information is used for updating the networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node,including: the secondary network node sends the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the cell served by thesecondary network node.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the secondary network node acquires the network stateof the cell served by the secondary network node, including: thesecondary network node receives a measurement report of the cell servedby the secondary network node sent by the terminal, wherein themeasurement report is used for indicating the network state of the cellserved by the secondary network node.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes a link state of a link for communication betweenthe cell served by the secondary network node and the terminal, and thesecondary network node updates the network configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node according to the network state ofthe cell served by the secondary network node, including: the secondarynetwork node updates the link for communication between the cell servedby the secondary network node and the terminal according to the linkstate; the secondary network node sends the first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the network configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node, including: the secondary networknode sends the first update configuration information to the terminal,wherein the first update configuration information is used for updatingthe link.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the link state includes signal quality of a signaltransmitted between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal, and the secondary network node updates the link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal according to the link state, including: the secondarynetwork node updates a link for transmitting the signal according to thesignal quality of the signal transmitted between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes a connection state of a connection between thesecondary network node and the terminal, and the secondary network nodeupdates the network configuration of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node according to the network state of the cell served by thesecondary network node, including: the secondary network node updatesthe network configuration of the cell served by the secondary networknode according to the connection state of the connection between thesecondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the connection state of the connection between thesecondary network node and the terminal is used for indicating that theconnection is invalid, and the secondary network node updates thenetwork configuration of the cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the connection state of the connection between thesecondary network node and the terminal, including: the secondarynetwork node releases the connection between the secondary network nodeand the terminal according to the connection state of the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal. The secondarynetwork node sends the first update configuration information to theterminal, wherein the first update configuration information is used forupdating the network configuration of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node, including: the secondary network node sends the firstupdate configuration information to the terminal, wherein the firstupdate configuration information is used for releasing the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the secondary network node acquires the network stateof the cell served by the secondary network node, including: thesecondary network node receives the connection state of the connectionbetween the cells served by the secondary network node and the terminal,sent by the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the method further includes: the secondary networknode sends data to be transmitted to the primary network node, the datato be transmitted being data that the terminal prepares to transmitthrough the secondary network node.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the method further includes: the secondary networknode sends a reestablishment message to the terminal, thereestablishment message being used for reestablishing the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the method further includes: the secondary networknode sends indication information to a primary network node, theindication information being used for indicating that the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal is reestablishedbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the indication information carries a reason forreestablishing the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes a state of a bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node, and the secondary network node acquires thenetwork state of the cell served by the secondary network node,including: the secondary network node acquires the state of the bearerin the cell served by the secondary network node. The secondary networknode updates the network configuration of the cell served by thesecondary network node according to the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node, including: the secondary network nodeupdates the bearer in the cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the state of the bearer. The secondary network node sendsthe first update configuration information to the terminal, wherein thefirst update configuration information is used for updating theconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node,including: the secondary network node sends the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, a primary cell served by the secondary network node isa first cell, and the secondary network node acquires the network stateof the cell served by the secondary network node, including: thesecondary network node acquires the network state of the first cell; thesecondary network node updates the network configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node according to the network state ofthe cell served by the secondary network node, including: the secondarynetwork node switches the primary cell from the first cell to a secondcell according to the network state of the first cell, wherein thesecond cell is a cell other than the first cell among cells served bythe secondary network node; the secondary network node sends the firstupdate configuration information to the terminal, wherein the firstupdate configuration information is used for updating the configurationof the cell served by the secondary network node, including: thesecondary network node sends the first update configuration informationto the terminal, wherein the first update configuration information isused for switching the primary cell from the first cell to the secondcell.

In combination with the first aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe first aspect, the method further includes: the secondary networknode sends second update configuration information to a primary networknode, wherein the second update configuration information is used forindicating updated network configuration of the secondary network node.

In a second aspect, there is provided a communication method, including:a terminal receives first update configuration information sent by asecondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating a network configuration of a cellserved by the secondary network node, wherein the network configurationof the cell served by the secondary network node is updated by thesecondary network node according to a network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node; the terminal communicates with thesecondary network node according to the first update configurationinformation.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes at least one piece of the following information: acongestion state of the cell served by the secondary network node; anamount of data to be transmitted that the terminal prepares to transmitthrough the secondary network node; a state of a bearer used fortransmitting the data to be transmitted by the terminal in the cellserved by the secondary network node; signal quality of a signaltransmitted between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal; a connection state of a connection between the secondarynetwork node and the terminal; and a link state of a link forcommunication between the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the terminal receives the first update configurationinformation sent by the secondary network node, including: the terminalreceives the first update configuration information sent by thesecondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the cell served by the secondarynetwork node; the terminal communicates with the secondary network nodeaccording to the first update configuration information, including: theterminal determines an updated cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the first update configuration information; the terminalcommunicates with the secondary network node through the updated cellserved by the secondary network node.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal sends ameasurement report of the cell served by the secondary network node tothe secondary network node, and the measurement report is used forindicating the network state of the cell served by the secondary networknode.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes a link state of a link for communication betweenthe cell served by the secondary network node and the terminal, and theterminal receives the first update configuration information sent by thesecondary network node, including: the terminal receives the firstupdate configuration information sent by the secondary network node,wherein the first update configuration information is used for updatingthe link; the terminal communicates with the secondary network nodeaccording to the first update configuration information, including: theterminal determines an updated link according to the first updateconfiguration information; and the terminal communicates with thesecondary network node through the updated link.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the link state includes signal quality of a signaltransmitted between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes a connection state of a connection between thesecondary network node and the terminal, wherein the connection state isused for indicating that the connection is invalid, and the terminalreceives the first update configuration information sent by thesecondary network node, including: the terminal receives the firstupdate configuration information sent by the secondary network node,wherein the first update configuration information is used for releasingthe connection between the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal sends theconnection state of the connection between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal to the secondary network node.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal receives areestablishment message sent by the secondary network node, wherein thereestablishment message is used for reestablishing the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes a state of a bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node, and the terminal receives the first updateconfiguration information sent by the secondary network node, including:the terminal receives the first update configuration information sent bythe secondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node; the terminal communicates with the secondarynetwork node according to the first update configuration information,including: the terminal determines an updated bearer according to thefirst update configuration information; the terminal communicates withthe secondary network node through the updated bearer.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, a primary cell served by the secondary network nodeis a first cell, and the terminal receives the first updateconfiguration information sent by the secondary network node, including:the terminal receives the first update configuration information sent bythe secondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for switching the primary cell from the first cellto a second cell, wherein the second cell is a cell other than the firstcell among cells served by the secondary network node; and the terminalcommunicates with the secondary network node according to the firstupdate configuration information, including: the terminal communicateswith the secondary network node through the second cell indicated by thefirst update configuration information.

In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation ofthe second aspect, the method further includes: the terminal sendssecond update configuration information to a primary network node,wherein the second update configuration information is used forindicating updated network configuration of the secondary network node.

In a third aspect, there is provided a secondary network node, and thesecondary network node comprises units for performing the method in thefirst aspect.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a terminal, and the terminalcomprises units for performing the method in the second aspect.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a secondary network node includinga memory, a processor, an input/output interface, and a communicationinterface. There is a communication connection between the memory, theprocessor, the input/output interface, and the communication interface,the memory is used for storing instructions, and the processor is usedfor executing the instructions stored in the memory. When theinstructions are executed, the processor executes the method of thefirst aspect through the communication interface, and controls theinput/output interface to receive input data and information and outputdata such as operation results.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a terminal including a memory, aprocessor, an input/output interface, and a communication interface.There is a communication connection between the memory, the processor,the input/output interface and the communication interface, the memoryis used for storing instructions, and the processor is used forexecuting the instructions stored in the memory. When the instructionsare executed, the processor executes the method of the second aspectthrough the communication interface, controls the input/output interfaceto receive input data and information, and outputs data such asoperation results.

In a seventh aspect, a computer readable medium is provided, whichstores program codes to be executed by a network node, wherein theprogram codes include instructions for executing the method of the firstaspect.

In an eighth aspect, a computer readable medium is provided, whichstores program codes to be executed by a terminal, wherein the programcodes include instructions for executing the method of the secondaspect.

In a ninth aspect, there is provided a computer program productincluding instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause thecomputer to perform the methods described in the various aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a wireless communication system 100 to which an implementationof the present disclosure is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an architecture of a scenario ofdual-connection communication according to an implementation of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a method for changing aconfiguration of a secondary network node in a dual-connectioncommunication system in the prior art.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toanother implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toanother implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toanother implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toanother implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a secondary network nodeaccording to an implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to animplementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a secondary network nodeaccording to another implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a terminal according to anotherimplementation of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a current dual-connection scenario, only a primary network node(e.g., a master base station MeNB) may perform signaling interactionwith a core network through S1-MME connection. Therefore, the primarynetwork node needs to perform signaling interaction with a terminal,needs to perform signaling interaction with the core network for theterminal, and simultaneously also needs to receive or transmit data forthe terminal in the dual-connection scenario. To sum up, in thedual-connection scenario, load on the primary network node is large,which is easy to cause network congestion.

Hereinafter, technical solutions in the present disclosure will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a wireless communication system 100 to which an implementationof the present disclosure is applied. The wireless communication system100 may include a network node 110. The network node 110 may be a devicethat communicates with a terminal device. The network node 110 mayprovide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and maycommunicate with terminal devices located within the coverage area.

FIG. 1 exemplifies one network node and two terminals. Optionally, thewireless communication system 100 may include multiple network nodes andother quantities of terminals may be included within a coverage area ofeach network node. The implementations of the present disclosure are notlimited thereto.

Optionally, the wireless communication system 100 may include othernetwork entities such as a network controller, and a mobility managemententity. The implementations of the present disclosure are not limitedthereto.

It should be understood that the technical solutions of the presentdisclosure may be applied to various communication systems, such as aGlobal System of Mobile Communication (GSM), a Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA) system, a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)system, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system, a Long TermEvolution (LTE) system, an Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) system,a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) system, a New RadioAccess Technology (NR), and 5G.

It should further be understood that in the implementations of thepresent disclosure, a terminal device may include, but not limited to, amobile station (MS), a mobile terminal, a mobile telephone, a UserEquipment (UE), a handset, and a portable equipment, etc. The terminaldevice may communicate with one or more core networks via a radio accessnetwork (RAN). For example, the terminal device may be a mobile phone(or referred to as “cellular” phone) or a computer with wirelesscommunication function. The terminal device may be a mobile apparatusthat is portable, pocket-sized, hand-held, built in a computer, ormounted on a vehicle.

In implementations of the present disclosure, the network node may be anaccess network device, such as a base station, a Transmit and ReceivePoint (TRP), or an access point. The base station may be a BaseTransceiver Station (BTS) in GSM or CDMA, a NodeB in WCDMA, an evolvedNode B (eNB or e-NodeB) in LTE, or a NR or 5G base station (gNB). Theimplementations of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an architecture of a scenario ofdual-connection communication according to an implementation of thepresent disclosure. In the architecture of the scenario ofdual-connection communication shown in FIG. 2, a LTE eNB, acting as aprimary base station (or primary network node), performs signalinginteraction with a core network device EPC through a S1-MME interface,and a NR NodeB, acting as a secondary base station, performs signalinginteraction with the primary base station through a X2 interface. Theterminal in the dual-connection communication system may establish aprimary connection with the primary network node and at least onesecondary connection with the secondary base station. The terminal maycommunicate with the primary base station and the secondary base stationin following two manners:

1. Data (e.g., signaling) of a control plane of the terminal is mainlytransmitted to the primary base station through the primary connection.For data of a user plane, the terminal may split the data and transmitthe data simultaneously through the primary connection and a secondaryconnection. The secondary base station may reduce load of the primarybase station for helping the terminal to transmit the data of the userplane and improve throughput of a network for transmitting the data ofthe user plane.

2. Data (e.g., signaling) of a control plane of the terminal is mainlytransmitted to the primary base station through the primary connection,while data of the user plane may be transmitted by the terminal to thesecondary base station through the secondary connection. Compared withthe first transmission manner, the secondary base station furtherreduces the load of the primary base station for transmitting the dataof the user plane.

It should be noted that the architecture of the scenario ofdual-connection communication shown in FIG. 2 is only illustrated bytaking a communication architecture in which the primary network node isa LTE eNB, the secondary network node is a NR NodeB, and the corenetwork device is an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) as an example. Theimplementation of the present disclosure does not specifically limitspecific forms of the primary network node, the secondary network node,and a core network node. For example, in the dual-connectioncommunication scenario, the primary network node may be a NR NodeB, thesecondary network node is a LTE eNB, and the core network node is a NextGen Core; or the primary network node may be a LTE eNB, the secondarynetwork node is a NR NodeB, and the core network node is a Next GenCore.

However, in an existing dual-connection communication system, networkconfiguration of a secondary network node (e.g., update of a cell servedby the secondary network node, update of a bearer between the secondarynetwork node and a terminal) needs to be updated by a primary networknode, which will be described in detail below with reference to themethod shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a method for changing aconfiguration of a secondary network node in a dual-connectioncommunication system in the prior art. The method shown in FIG. 3includes acts 310 and 320.

In 310, the primary network node sends a secondary base stationmodification request (SeNB Modification Request) to the secondarynetwork node, and the SeNB Modification Request is used for instructingthe secondary base station to change a network configuration of thesecondary base station.

In 320, the primary network node receives a secondary base stationmodification request acknowledgement (SeNB Modification RequestAcknowledge) sent by the secondary network node, and the secondary basestation modification request acknowledgement acknowledges that thesecondary base station has changed the network configuration of thesecondary base station.

As may be seen from the method for changing the configuration of thesecondary network node in the dual-connection communication system shownin FIG. 3, if the configuration of the secondary network node is to bechanged, the primary network node needs to determine how to change theconfiguration of the secondary network node. For example, if a quantityof cells served by the secondary network node is to be increased ordecreased, the primary network node must determine which cell served bythe secondary network node is to be increased or decreased. The methodfor changing the configuration of the secondary network node willincrease the interaction of interactive signaling between the primarynetwork node and the secondary network node and increase the overhead ofsignaling transmission.

In order to solve the problem, a communication method of theimplementation of the present disclosure will be described in detailbelow with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart of the communication method of theimplementation of the present disclosure. The method shown in FIG. 4includes acts 410-430.

In 410, a secondary network node acquires a network state of a cellserved by the secondary network node.

It should be noted that the act 410 may include: the secondary networknode acquires the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node from a terminal or another network, or the act 410 mayinclude: the secondary network node acquires the network state of thecell served by the secondary network node through its measurement.

Optionally, the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes at least one piece of the following information: acongestion state of the cell served by the secondary network node; theamount of data to be transmitted that the terminal prepares to transmitthrough the secondary network node; a state of a bearer used fortransmitting the data to be transmitted by the terminal in the cellserved by the secondary network node; signal quality of a signaltransmitted between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal; and a link state of a link for communication between thesecondary network node and the terminal.

Specifically, the signal quality may include a receiving power of thesignal transmitted between the secondary network node and the terminal,and the signal quality of the signal may be indicated by the receivingpower of the signal. For example, the receiving power of the signal maybe a Reference Signal Receiving Power (RSRP); and the signal quality maybe a reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ).

The link state may include link quality, a congestion state of a link,and indication information for indicating whether the link is invalid,etc.

The state of the bearer used for transmitting the data to be transmittedby the terminal may include a congestion state of the bearer, aparameter of Quality of Service (Qos) supported by the bearer, etc.

It should be noted that the signal quality is similar to a contentcarried in a measurement report for measuring a cell by a terminal in anexisting communication system. Different from the measurement report,the signal quality may be measured by the terminal, or measuredautonomously by the secondary network node. The implementation of thepresent disclosure is not limited to a specific manner in which thesecondary network node acquires the signal quality.

In 420, the secondary network node updates the network configuration ofthe cell served by the secondary network node according to the networkstate of the cell served by the secondary network node.

Specifically, the secondary network node updates the networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node accordingto the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node,which may refer to that the secondary network node changes the networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node accordingto the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node.

It should be noted that the updating the network configuration of thecell served by the secondary network node may refer to updating the cellserved by the secondary network node, updating a bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node, updating a link for communicationbetween the cell served by the secondary network node and a terminal,etc. The implementation of the present disclosure does not limit aspecific manner of changing the network configuration.

In 430, the secondary network node sends first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the network configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the act 420 includes: the secondarynetwork node updates the cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node; the act 430 includes: the secondary network node sends thefirst update configuration information to the terminal, wherein thefirst update configuration information is used for updating the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Specifically, the updating the cell served by the secondary network nodemay include adding or deleting a cell served by the secondary networknode.

It should be noted that the first update configuration information maycarry a cell ID of the added or deleted cell served by the secondarynetwork node, or the first update configuration information may carrycell IDs of all updated cells served by the secondary network node.

Optionally, the secondary network node acquires the network state of thecell served by the secondary network node, including: the secondarynetwork node receives a measurement report of the cell served by thesecondary network node sent by the terminal, wherein the measurementreport is used for indicating the network state of the cell served bythe secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a link state of a link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal. The act 420 includes: the secondary network node updatesthe link for communication between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal according to the link state. The act 430includes: the secondary network node sends the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the link.

Specifically, the updating the link for communication between the cellserved by the secondary network node and the terminal may include addingor deleting a link for communication between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the link state includes signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal, and the secondary network node updatesthe link for communication between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal according to the link state, including:the secondary network node updates a link for transmitting the signalaccording to the signal quality of the signal transmitted between thecell served by the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the secondary network node updatesthe network configuration of the cell served by the secondary networknode according to the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node, including: the secondary network node updates the networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node accordingto a connection state of a connection between the secondary network nodeand the terminal.

Specifically, the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal may refer to a connection used by the terminal to access thesecondary network node, for example, it may be an RRC connection betweenthe secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the secondary network node indicatesthat the connection is invalid according to the connection state of theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal, and thesecondary network node updates the network configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node according to the connection stateof the connection between the secondary network node and the terminal,including: the secondary network node releases the connection betweenthe secondary network node and the terminal according to the connectionstate of the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal; the secondary network node sends the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the network configurationof the cell served by the secondary network node, including: thesecondary network node sends the first update configuration informationto the terminal, wherein the first update configuration information isused for releasing the connection between the secondary network node andthe terminal.

Specifically, the releasing the connection between the secondary networknode and the terminal means that the secondary network node no longerserves for the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a connection state of aconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal. The act410 includes: the secondary network node acquires the network state ofthe cell served by the secondary network node, including: the secondarynetwork node receives the connection state of the connection between thecell served by the secondary network node and the terminal sent by theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the method further includes: thesecondary network node sends data to be transmitted to the primarynetwork node, wherein the data to be transmitted is data that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node.

Specifically, the secondary network node may send the data to betransmitted that the terminal prepares to transmit through the secondarynetwork node, to the primary network node, and data transmission isperformed through the primary network node.

It should be noted that the transmission of the data to be transmittedof the terminal from the secondary network node to the primary networknode may be triggered according to following reasons: the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal is invalid; thesecondary network node is currently in a congestion state; a link stateof a link between the secondary network node and the terminal is acongestion state. The implementation of the present disclosure does notspecifically limit a reason for the triggering.

Optionally, as one implementation, the method further includes: thesecondary network node determines to reestablish a connection betweenthe secondary network node and the terminal; the secondary network nodesends a reestablishment message to the terminal, wherein thereestablishment message is used for reestablishing the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

It should be understood that the reestablishment message may refer to anRRC connection reestablishment message between the secondary networknode and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the method further includes: thesecondary network node sends indication information to the primarynetwork node, wherein the indication information is used for indicatingthat a connection between the secondary network node and the terminal isreestablished between the secondary network node and the terminal.

Specifically, the secondary network node may notify the primary networknode through indication information that a connection between thesecondary network node and the terminal has been reestablished, so thatthe primary network node may reasonably allocate transmission resourcesof the primary network node and transmission resources of the secondarynetwork node for the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the indication information carries areason for reestablishing the connection between the secondary networknode and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a state of a bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node, and the act 410 includes: thesecondary network node acquires the state of the bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node; the act 420 includes: thesecondary network node updates the bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node according to the state of the bearer; and the act430 includes: the secondary network node sends the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Specifically, updating the bearer in the cell served by the secondarynetwork node includes adding and/or deleting a bearer in the cell servedby the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, a primary cell served by thesecondary network node is a first cell, and the act 410 includes: thesecondary network node acquires a network state of the first cell; theact 420 includes: the secondary network node switches the primary cellfrom the first cell to a second cell according to the network state ofthe first cell, wherein the second cell is a cell other than the firstcell among cells served by the secondary network node; and the act 430includes: the secondary network node sends the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for switching the primary cell fromthe first cell to the second cell.

Specifically, the primary cell may refer to a cell that may monitor andmanage other cells, in the cells served by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the method further includes: thesecondary network node sends second update configuration information tothe primary network node, wherein the second update configurationinformation is used for indicating updated network configuration of thesecondary network node.

Specifically, the secondary network node may send the second updateconfiguration information to the primary network node so that theprimary network node may more reasonably allocate transmission resourcesfor the terminal.

It should be noted that a content of the second update configurationinformation may be the same as that of the first update configurationinformation, or the content of the second update configurationinformation may be different from that of the first update configurationinformation.

The communication method of the implementation of the present disclosurewill be described below with reference to specific implementations ofthree different scenarios.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toan implementation of the present disclosure. A communication method forupdating a cell served by a secondary network node according to theimplementation of the present disclosure is specifically introduced inFIG. 5. It should be understood that the method shown in FIG. 5 is onlydescribed by taking updating the cell served by the secondary networknode as an example, and the implementation of the present disclosure isnot limited to this. The method shown in FIG. 5 includes acts 510-540.

In 510, a terminal sends a measurement report of a cell served by asecondary network node to the secondary network node.

In 520, the secondary network node updates the cell served by thesecondary network node according to the measurement report of the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Specifically, updating the cell served by the secondary network node mayinclude adding and/or deleting a cell served by the secondary networknode; or updating the cell served by the secondary network node mayinclude switching a primary cell in the cells served by the secondarynetwork node, i.e., switching the primary cell currently serving theterminal to another cell served by the secondary network node.

In 530, the secondary network node sends first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the cell served by the secondarynetwork node for the terminal.

In 540, the secondary network node sends second update configurationinformation to a primary network node, wherein the second updateconfiguration information is used for updating the cell served by thesecondary network node.

It should be understood that if transmission resources of the primarynetwork node and transmission resources of the secondary network nodeare allocated to the terminal through the primary network node in adual-connection communication architecture, the act 540 needs to beperformed; if the transmission resources of the primary network node andthe transmission resources of the secondary network node may beallocated to the terminal through a core network node (e.g., an EPC or aNextGen Core) in the dual-connection communication architecture, the act540 may not be performed.

It should be noted that the act 540 may be performed simultaneously withthe act 530, or may be performed before the act 530, which is notspecifically limited in the implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toan implementation of the present disclosure. A communication method forupdating a connection between a cell served by a secondary network nodeand a terminal according to an implementation of the present disclosureis specifically introduced in FIG. 6. It should be understood that themethod shown in FIG. 6 is only described by taking the connectionbetween the cell served by the secondary network node and the terminalas an example, and the implementation of the present disclosure is notlimited to this. The method shown in FIG. 6 includes acts 610-660.

In 610, a terminal sends a connection state of a connection between theterminal and a secondary network node to the secondary network node,wherein the connection state is used for indicating that the connectionis invalid.

In 620, the secondary network node determines to release the invalidconnection according to the connection state.

In 630, the secondary network node sends first update configurationinformation to the terminal, and the first update configurationinformation is used for instructing the terminal to release the invalidconnection.

In 640, a primary network node receives second update configurationinformation, which is used for indicating release of the invalidconnection.

Specifically, the act 640 may further include following two specificimplementation manners 641 and 642.

In 641, the secondary network node sends the second update configurationinformation to the primary network node.

In 642, the terminal sends the second update configuration informationto the primary network node.

Specifically, after receiving the first update configuration informationsent by the secondary network node, the terminal may send the secondupdate configuration information to the primary network node.

Optionally, the terminal may carry a reason for the invalid connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal in the second updateconfiguration information.

It should be understood that if transmission resources of the primarynetwork node and transmission resources of the secondary network nodeare allocated to the terminal through the primary network node in adual-connection communication architecture, the act 640 needs to beperformed; if the transmission resources of the primary network node andthe transmission resources of the secondary network node may beallocated to the terminal through a core network node (e.g., an EPC or aNextGen Core) in the dual-connection communication architecture, the act640 may not be performed.

Optionally, in order to share a burden of the primary network node totransmit data for the terminal, when the connection between the terminaland the secondary network node is invalid, the method shown in FIG. 6may further include acts 650-660.

In 650, the secondary network node sends a reestablishment message tothe terminal, wherein the reestablishment message is used forreestablishing the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal.

It should be noted that the secondary network node may determine whetherto reestablish the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal through a predetermined rule, or the secondary network node maydetermine whether to reestablish the connection between the secondarynetwork node and the terminal through a feedback from another networkelement (e.g., a primary network node, a terminal, or an EPC).

In 660, the secondary network node sends indication information to theprimary network node, and the indication information is used forindicating that the connection between the secondary network node andthe terminal is reestablished.

Optionally, the indication information may carry a reason forreestablishing the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal.

It should be understood that if transmission resources of the primarynetwork node and transmission resources of the secondary network nodeare allocated to the terminal through the primary network node in adual-connection communication architecture, the act 660 needs to beperformed; if the transmission resources of the primary network node andthe transmission resources of the secondary network node may beallocated to the terminal through a core network node (e.g., an EPC or aNextGen Core) in the dual-connection communication architecture, the act660 may not be performed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method according toanother implementation of the present disclosure. A communication methodfor updating a connection for communication between a cell served by asecondary network node and a terminal according to an implementation ofthe present disclosure is specifically introduced in FIG. 7. It shouldbe understood that the method shown in FIG. 7 is only described bytaking the connection for communication between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal as an example, and theimplementation of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Themethod shown in FIG. 7 includes acts 710-740.

In 710, a secondary network node acquires a load state of a cell servedby the secondary network node or an amount of data to be transmitted bya terminal.

In 720, the secondary network node determines to update a link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal according to the load state of the cell served by thesecondary network node or the amount of data to be transmitted by theterminal.

Specifically, the updating the link for communication between the cellserved by the secondary network node and the terminal may include addingand/or deleting a link for communication between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal.

In 730, the secondary network node sends first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the link for communication between thecell served by the secondary network node and the terminal for theterminal.

In 740, the secondary network node sends second update configurationinformation to a primary network node, wherein the second updateconfiguration information is used for updating the link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal.

It should be understood that if transmission resources of the primarynetwork node and transmission resources of the secondary network nodeare allocated to the terminal through the primary network node in adual-connection communication architecture, the act 740 needs to beperformed; if transmission resources of the primary network node andtransmission resources of the secondary network node may be allocated tothe terminal through a core network node (e.g., an EPC or a Next GenCore) in the dual-connection communication architecture, the act 740 maynot be performed.

The communication method of the implementation of the present disclosurehas been described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Thesecondary network node and the terminal of the implementation of thepresent disclosure will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 8 to 11. It should be understood that the apparatuses shown inFIGS. 8 to 11 may realize the various acts in FIG. 4, which will not bedescribed in detail here in order to avoid repetition.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a secondary network nodeaccording to an implementation of the present disclosure. The apparatusshown in FIG. 8 includes an acquisition module 810, an updating module820, and a sending module 830.

The acquisition module is used for acquiring a network state of a cellserved by the secondary network node.

The updating module is used for updating a network configuration of thecell served by the secondary network node according to the network stateof the cell served by the secondary network node.

The sending module is used for sending first update configurationinformation to a terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the network configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes at least one piece of thefollowing information: a congestion state of the cell served by thesecondary network node; an amount of data to be transmitted that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node; astate of a bearer used for transmitting the data to be transmitted bythe terminal in the cell served by the secondary network node; signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal; a connection state of a connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal; and a link state ofa link for communication between the secondary network node and theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the updating module is specificallyused for updating the cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the network state of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node; the sending module is further specifically used forsending the first update configuration information to the terminal,wherein the first update configuration information is used for updatingthe cell served by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the acquisition module isspecifically used for receiving a measurement report of the cell servedby the secondary network node sent by the terminal, wherein themeasurement report is used for indicating the network state of the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a link state of a link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal, and the updating module is specifically used for updatingthe link for communication between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal according to the link state; the sendingmodule is specifically used for sending the first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the link.

Optionally, as one implementation, the link state includes signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal, and the updating module is specificallyused for updating the link for transmitting the signal according to thesignal quality of the signal transmitted between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a connection state of aconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal, and theupdating module is specifically used for the secondary network node toupdate the network configuration of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node according to the connection state of the connection betweenthe secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the connection state of theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal is usedfor indicating that the connection is invalid, and the updating moduleis specifically used for: releasing the connection between the secondarynetwork node and the terminal according to the connection state of theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal; thesending module is specifically used for sending the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for releasing the connection betweenthe secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the acquisition module isspecifically used for receiving the connection state of the connectionbetween the cell served by the secondary network node and the terminal,sent by the terminal.

Optionally, as an implementation, the sending module is furtherspecifically used for sending data to be transmitted to a primarynetwork node, wherein the data to be transmitted is data that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the sending module is further usedfor sending a reestablishment message to the terminal, wherein thereestablishment message is used for reestablishing the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the sending module is further usedfor sending indication information to the primary network node, whereinthe indication information is used for indicating that the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal is reestablishedbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the indication information carries areason for reestablishing the connection between the secondary networknode and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a state of a bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node, and the acquisition module isspecifically used for acquiring the state of the bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node; the updating module isspecifically used for updating the bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node according to the state of the bearer; the sendingmodule is specifically used for sending the first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, a primary cell served by thesecondary network node is a first cell, and the acquisition module isspecifically used for: acquiring a network state of the first cell. Theupdating module is specifically used for switching the primary cell fromthe first cell to a second cell according to the network state of thefirst cell, wherein the second cell is a cell other than the first cellamong cells served by the secondary network node. The sending module isspecifically used for sending the first update configuration informationto the terminal, wherein the first update configuration information isused for switching the primary cell from the first cell to the secondcell.

Optionally, as one implementation, the sending module is further usedfor sending second update configuration information to the primarynetwork node, wherein the second update configuration information isused for indicating updated network configuration of the secondarynetwork node.

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal according to animplementation of the present disclosure. The apparatus shown in FIG. 9includes a receiving module 910 and a communication module 920.

The receiving module is used for receiving first update configurationinformation sent by a secondary network node, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating a network configurationof a cell served by the secondary network node, and the networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node isupdated by the secondary network node according to a network state ofthe cell served by the secondary network node.

The communication module is used for communicating with the secondarynetwork node according to the first update configuration information.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes at least one piece of thefollowing information: a congestion state of the cell served by thesecondary network node; an amount of data to be transmitted that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node; astate of a bearer used for transmitting the data to be transmitted bythe terminal in the cell served by the secondary network node; signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal; a connection state of a connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal; and a link state ofa link for communication between the secondary network node and theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the receiving module is specificallyused for receiving the first update configuration information sent bythe secondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the cell served by the secondarynetwork node. The communication module is specifically used fordetermining an updated cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the first update configuration information; andcommunicating with the secondary network node through the updated cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the terminal further includes: afirst sending module, used for sending a measurement report of the cellserved by the secondary network node to the secondary network node,wherein the measurement report is used for indicating the network stateof the cell served by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a link state of a link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal, and the receiving module is specifically used forreceiving the first update configuration information sent by thesecondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the link; the communication module isspecifically used for determining an updated link according to the firstupdate configuration information, and communicating with the secondarynetwork node through the updated link.

Optionally, as one implementation, the link state includes signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a connection state of aconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal, whereinthe connection state is used for indicating that the connection isinvalid, and the receiving module is specifically used for receiving thefirst update configuration information sent by the secondary networknode, wherein the first update configuration information is used forreleasing the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the terminal further includes: asecond sending module, used for sending the connection state of theconnection between the cell served by the secondary network node and theterminal, to the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the receiving module is further usedfor receiving a reestablishment message sent by the secondary networknode, wherein the reestablishment message is used for reestablishing theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a state of a bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node, and the receiving module isspecifically used for receiving the first update configurationinformation sent by the secondary network node, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node; the communication module isspecifically used for determining an updated bearer according to thefirst update configuration information, and communicating with thesecondary network node through the updated bearer.

Optionally, as one implementation, a primary cell served by thesecondary network node is a first cell, and the receiving module isspecifically used for receiving the first update configurationinformation sent by the secondary network node, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for switching the primary cell fromthe first cell to the second cell, wherein the second cell is a cellother than the first cell among cells served by the secondary networknode. The communication module is specifically used for communicatingwith the secondary network node through the second cell indicated by thefirst update configuration information.

Optionally, as one implementation, the terminal further includes: athird sending module, used for sending second update configurationinformation to the primary network node, wherein the second updateconfiguration information is used for indicating updated networkconfiguration of the secondary network node.

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a secondary network nodeaccording to another implementation of the present disclosure. Thesecondary network node 1000 shown in FIG. 10 includes a memory 1010, aprocessor 1020, an input/output interface 1030, and a communicationinterface 1040. The memory 1010, the processor 1020, the input/outputinterface 1030 and the communication interface 1040 are connectedthrough internal connection paths. The memory 1010 is used for storinginstructions. The processor 1020 is used for executing the instructionsstored in the memory 1020 to control the input/output interface 1030 toreceive input data and information, output data such as operationresults, and control the communication interface 1040 to send signals.

The processor is used for acquiring a network state of a cell served bythe secondary network node; and is further used for updating a networkconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network node accordingto the network state of the cell served by the secondary network node.

The communication interface is used for sending first updateconfiguration information to a terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the network configurationof the cell served by the secondary network node.

It should be understood that in the implementations of the presentdisclosure, the processor 1020 may adopt a general-purpose CentralProcessing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits forexecuting related programs, to implement the technical solutionsprovided by the implementations of the present disclosure.

It should further be understood that the communication interface 1040uses a transceiving apparatus such as, but not limited to, a transceiverto realize communication between a D2D device 1000 and other devices orcommunication networks.

The memory 1010 may include a read only memory and a random accessmemory and provide instructions and data to the processor 1020. A partof the processor 1020 may include a non-volatile random access memory.For example, the processor 1020 may store information about devicetypes.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes at least one piece of thefollowing information: a congestion state of the cell served by thesecondary network node; an amount of data to be transmitted that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node; astate of a bearer used for transmitting the data to be transmitted bythe terminal in the cell served by the secondary network node; signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal; a connection state of a connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal; and a link state ofa link for communication between the secondary network node and theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the processor is specifically usedfor updating the cell served by the secondary network node according tothe network state of the cell served by the secondary network node. Thecommunication interface is further specifically used for sending thefirst update configuration information to the terminal, wherein thefirst update configuration information is used for updating the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the processor is specifically usedfor receiving a measurement report of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node sent by the terminal, wherein the measurement report isused for indicating the network state of the cell served by thesecondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a link state of a link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal, and the processor is specifically used for updating thelink for communication between the cell served by the secondary networknode and the terminal according to the link state; the communicationinterface is specifically used for sending the first updateconfiguration information to the terminal, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the link.

Optionally, as one implementation, the link state includes signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal, and the processor is specifically usedfor updating the link for transmitting the signal according to thesignal quality of the signal transmitted between the cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a connection state of aconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal, and theprocessor is specifically used for updating the network configuration ofthe cell served by the secondary network node according to theconnection state of the connection between the secondary network nodeand the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the connection state of theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal is usedfor indicating that the connection is invalid, and the processor isspecifically used for: releasing the connection between the secondarynetwork node and the terminal according to the connection state of theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal. Thecommunication interface is specifically used for sending the firstupdate configuration information to the terminal, wherein the firstupdate configuration information is used for releasing the connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the processor is specifically usedfor receiving the connection state of the connection between the cellserved by the secondary network node and the terminal, sent by theterminal.

Optionally, as an implementation, the communication interface is furtherspecifically used for sending data to be transmitted to a primarynetwork node, wherein the data to be transmitted is data that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for sending a reestablishment message to the terminal,wherein the reestablishment message is used for reestablishing theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for sending indication information to the primary networknode, wherein the indication information is used for indicating that theconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal isreestablished between the secondary network node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the indication information carries areason for reestablishing the connection between the secondary networknode and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a state of a bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node, and the processor is specificallyused for: acquiring the state of the bearer in the cell served by thesecondary network node. The processor is specifically used for updatingthe bearer in the cell served by the secondary network node according tothe state of the bearer. The communication interface is specificallyused for sending the first update configuration information to theterminal, wherein the first update configuration information is used forupdating the bearer in the cell served by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, a primary cell served by thesecondary network node is a first cell, and the processor isspecifically used to: acquire a network state of the first cell. Theprocessor is specifically used for switching the primary cell from thefirst cell to a second cell according to the network state of the firstcell, wherein the second cell is a cell other than the first cell amongcells served by the secondary network node. The communication interfaceis specifically used for sending the first update configurationinformation to the terminal, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for switching the primary cell from the first cellto the second cell.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for sending second update configuration information to theprimary network node, wherein the second update configurationinformation is used for indicating updated network configuration of thesecondary network node.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a terminal according to anotherimplementation of the present disclosure. The terminal 1100 shown inFIG. 11 includes a memory 1110, a processor 1120, an input/outputinterface 1130, and a communication interface 1140. The memory 1110, theprocessor 1120, the input/output interface 1130 and the communicationinterface 1140 are connected through internal connection paths. Thememory 1110 is used for storing instructions. The processor 1120 is usedfor executing the instructions stored in the memory 1120 to control theinput/output interface 1130 to receive input data and information,output data such as operation results, and control the communicationinterface 1140 to send signals.

The communication interface is used for receiving first updateconfiguration information sent by a secondary network node, wherein thefirst update configuration information is used for updating a networkconfiguration of a cell served by the secondary network node, and thenetwork configuration of the cell served by the secondary network nodeis updated by the secondary network node according to a network state ofthe cell served by the secondary network node; and is further used forcommunicating with the secondary network node according to the firstupdate configuration information.

It should be understood that in the implementations of the presentdisclosure, the processor 1120 may adopt a general-purpose CentralProcessing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits forexecuting related programs, to implement the technical solutionsprovided by implementations of the present disclosure.

It should further be understood that the communication interface 1140uses a transceiving apparatus such as, but not limited to, a transceiverto realize communication between a D2D device 1100 and other devices orcommunication networks.

The memory 1110 may include a read only memory and a random accessmemory and provide instructions and data to the processor 1120. A partof the processor 1120 may include a non-volatile random access memory.For example, the processor 1120 may store information about devicetypes.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes at least one piece of thefollowing information: a congestion state of the cell served by thesecondary network node; an amount of data to be transmitted that theterminal prepares to transmit through the secondary network node; astate of a bearer used for transmitting the data to be transmitted bythe terminal in the cell served by the secondary network node; signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal; a connection state of a connectionbetween the secondary network node and the terminal; and a link state ofa link for communication between the secondary network node and theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isspecifically used for receiving the first update configurationinformation sent by the secondary network node, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the cell served by thesecondary network node. The communication module is specifically usedfor determining an updated cell served by the secondary network nodeaccording to the first update configuration information; andcommunicating with the secondary network node through the updated cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for sending a measurement report of the cell served by thesecondary network node to the secondary network node, wherein themeasurement report is used for indicating the network state of the cellserved by the secondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a link state of a link forcommunication between the cell served by the secondary network node andthe terminal, and the communication interface is specifically used forreceiving the first update configuration information sent by thesecondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for updating the link. The communication module isspecifically used for determining an updated link according to the firstupdate configuration information, and communicating with the secondarynetwork node through the updated link.

Optionally, as one implementation, the link state includes a signalquality of a signal transmitted between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a connection state of aconnection between the secondary network node and the terminal, whereinthe connection state is used for indicating that the connection isinvalid, and the communication interface is specifically used forreceiving the first update configuration information sent by thesecondary network node, wherein the first update configurationinformation is used for releasing the connection between the secondarynetwork node and the terminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for sending the connection state of the connection betweenthe cell served by the secondary network node and the terminal to thesecondary network node.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for receiving a reestablishment message sent by thesecondary network node, wherein the reestablishment message is used forreestablishing the connection between the secondary network node and theterminal.

Optionally, as one implementation, the network state of the cell servedby the secondary network node includes a state of a bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node, and the communication interface isspecifically used for receiving the first update configurationinformation sent by the secondary network node, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for updating the bearer in the cellserved by the secondary network node. The communication module isspecifically used for determining an updated bearer according to thefirst update configuration information, and communicating with thesecondary network node through the updated bearer.

Optionally, as one implementation, a primary cell served by thesecondary network node is a first cell, and the communication interfaceis specifically used for receiving the first update configurationinformation sent by the secondary network node, wherein the first updateconfiguration information is used for switching the primary cell fromthe first cell to a second cell, wherein the second cell is a cell otherthan the first cell among cells served by the secondary network node.The communication module is specifically used for communicating with thesecondary network node through the second cell indicated by the firstupdate configuration information.

Optionally, as one implementation, the communication interface isfurther used for sending second update configuration information to aprimary network node, wherein the second update configurationinformation is used for indicating updated network configuration of thesecondary network node.

It should be understood that in the implementations of the presentdisclosure, “B corresponding to A” means that B is associated with A,and B may be determined according to A. However, it should be furtherunderstood that determining B according to A does not mean B isdetermined according to A only, but B may be determined according to Aand/or other information.

The term “and/or” in this document is merely an association relationshipdescribing associated objects, indicating that there may be threerelationships, for example, A and/or B may indicate three situations: Aalone, A and B, and B alone. In addition, the character “/” in thisdocument generally indicates that the objects before and after thecharacter have an “or” relationship.

It should be understood that in various implementations of the presentdisclosure, sequence numbers of the various processes do not imply anorder of execution of the various processes, which should be determinedby their functions and internal logics, and should not constitute anylimitation on implementation processes of the implementations of thepresent disclosure.

In several implementations provided by the present disclosure, it shouldbe understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses and methods may beimplemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus implementationsdescribed above are only illustrative, for example, the division of theunits is only a logical function division, and there may be otherdivision manners in actual implementation, for example, multiple unitsor components may be combined or integrated into another system, or somefeatures may be ignored or not executed. On the other hand, the mutualcoupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown ordiscussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection throughsome interface, apparatus or unit, and may be in electrical, mechanicalor other forms.

The unit described as a separate component may or may not be physicallyseparated, and the component shown as a unit may or may not be aphysical unit, i.e., it may be located in one place or may bedistributed over multiple network units. Some or all of the units may beselected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of theimplementations.

In addition, various functional units in various implementations of thepresent disclosure may be integrated in one processing unit, or thevarious units may be physically present separately, or two or more unitsmay be integrated in one unit.

The implementations may be implemented in whole or in part by software,hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented bysoftware, the implementations may be implemented in whole or in part ina form of a computer program product. The computer program productincludes one or more computer instructions. When the computer programinstructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the flows orfunctions described in accordance with implementations of the presentdisclosure are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be ageneral purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computernetwork, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions maybe stored in a computer readable storage medium or transferred from onecomputer readable storage medium to another computer readable storagemedium. For example, the computer instructions may be transferred from awebsite site, computer, server or data center to another website site,computer, server, or data center by wire (e.g., coaxial cable, fiberoptic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wirelessly (e.g., infrared,wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer readable storage medium may beany available medium that may be read by a computer, or a data storagedevice including a server, or a data center, etc. that integrated by oneor more available medium. The available medium may be a magnetic medium(e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium(e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium such as a solid state disk(SSD) or the like.

What are described above are merely example implementations of thepresent disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosureis not limited thereto. Any variation or substitution that may be easilyconceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scopedisclosed by the present disclosure shall be included within theprotection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protectionscope of the present disclosure shall be the protection scope defined bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication method, comprising: receiving, bya secondary network node, measurement report from a terminal device; andsending, by the secondary network node, first information to theterminal device, wherein the first information is used for updatingconfiguration of a cell served by the secondary network node.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the measurement report comprises qualityinformation of a transmission between a cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal device.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first information is directly sent by the secondary network node tothe terminal device without involving signaling interaction with aprimary network node.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the updating theconfiguration of the cell served by the secondary network nodecomprises: adding or releasing a cell served by the secondary networknode.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information comprisesan ID of an added cell or released cell served by the secondary networknode, or the first information comprises IDs of all updated cells servedby the secondary network node.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the IDcomprises: an index of the added cell or released cell served by thesecondary node.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method furthercomprises: sending, by the secondary network node, second information tothe primary network node, wherein the second information is used tonotify the updated configuration of the cell served by the secondarynetwork node.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein communication betweenthe cell served by the secondary network node and the terminal device isby using a radio resource control (RRC) connection.
 9. A communicationmethod, comprising: receiving, by a terminal device, first informationsent by a secondary network node, wherein the first information is usedfor updating a configuration of a cell served by the secondary networknode; and communicating, by the terminal device, with the secondarynetwork node according to the first information.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the first information is directly sent by the secondarynetwork node to the terminal device without involving signalinginteraction with a primary network node.
 11. The method of claim 9,wherein the updating the configuration of the cell served by thesecondary network node comprises: adding or releasing a cell served bythe secondary network node.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the firstinformation comprises an ID of an added cell or released cell served bythe secondary network node, or the first information comprises IDs ofall updated cells served by the secondary network node.
 13. The methodof claim 12, wherein the ID comprises: an index of the added cell orreleased cell served by the secondary network node.
 14. The method ofclaim 9, wherein communication between the cell served by the secondarynetwork node and the terminal device is by using a radio resourcecontrol (RRC) connection.
 15. A secondary network node, comprising aprocessor and a communication interface, wherein: the processor is usedfor receiving a measurement report from a terminal device; and thecommunication interface is used for sending first information to theterminal device, wherein the first information is used for updating aconfiguration of a cell served by the secondary network node.
 16. Thesecondary node of claim 15, wherein the measurement report comprisesquality information of a transmission between a cell served by thesecondary network node and the terminal device.
 17. The secondary nodeof claim 15, wherein the first information is directly sent by thesecondary network node to the terminal device without involvingsignaling interaction with a primary network node.
 18. The secondarynode of claim 15, wherein the updating the configuration of the cellserved by the secondary network node comprises: adding or releasing acell served by the secondary network node.
 19. The secondary node ofclaim 15, wherein the first information comprises an ID of an added cellor released cell served by the secondary network node, or the firstinformation comprises IDs of all updated cells served by the secondarynetwork node.
 20. The secondary node of claim 19, wherein the IDcomprises: an index of the added cell or released cell served by thesecondary network node.